What Is Infrared Energy? Natural Light = Natural Energy As every rainbow demonstrates, the optical spectrum (the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye) includes the seven colors red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, and violet. By definition, red is the color with the longest wavelengths of visible light, and violet is the color with the shortest wavelengths of visible light. Outside of the optical spectrum are different types of invisible light or electromagnetic radiation. Among these types are infrared radiation (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. "Infra" and "ultra" are Latin words meaning "below" and "beyond," respectively, so infrared radiation, or infrared light, is literally "below red," while ultraviolet light is "beyond violet." History In 1800, German astronomer William Herschel discovered infrared light. Researching the heat effects of the colors of the optical spectrum, he found that the temperature in the colors increased as he went from violet to red. Herschel also discovered that the temperature continued to increase beyond the color red, into a region of invisible light that he named "infrared." Infrared light is divided into three distinct segments with specific ranges of wavelength measured by microns. One micron is equivalent to 1/1,000,000 of a meter. These segments include near infrared, middle infrared, and far infrared. Far infrared light is often referred to as thermal radiation or thermal light, and its wavelengths measure between 5.6 and 1,000 microns. The light or energy from fire and sunlight that we perceive as heat is actually far infrared. The far infrared radiation (FIR) emitted by the sun should not be confused with its harmful ultraviolet radiation. Far infrared light provides the healthy benefits of natural sunlight without any of the dangerous side effects of exposure to ultraviolet radiation. How Infrared Energy Works As people continue to seek out special sunscreen lotions to protect them from the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays, more and more individuals are also embracing modern technology to benefit from the power of far infrared or thermal light indoors at their own leisure. Chief among the consumer products making use of the technology is the far infrared sauna or heat therapy room. A key characteristic of far infrared light is its ability to heat an object directly without raising the temperature of the air surrounding the object. In technical terms, this is called direct light conversion. It's perhaps best demonstrated when you're outdoors on a summer day and a large cloud moves in front of the sun. In the shade, you do not feel as warm as you did when you were basking in the direct path of the sun's energy. The air temperature, though, is no cooler than it was before the cloud obscured the sun. Yet, by moving between you and the sun, the cloud has blocked the sun's far infrared rays from reaching you. That's why you feel cooler even though the temperature of the air surrounding you did not change. a 10 micron Far infrared light wave reaches up to 2 inches deep inside the body's tissue cellular vibration occurs when the light waves penetrate the cells and reach the large water molecules this vibration reduces the ion bonds of the atoms that are holding together the molecules of water, resulting in a release of toxins Health & Wellness The value of far infrared light to our health and wellness should not be underestimated. Penetrating as deeply as 1.5" to 2" into our bodies, far infrared rays improve blood circulation, stimulate endorphins, lower lactic acid, kill certain bacteria and parasites, and burn calories. Proponents of hyperthermia, also known as fever therapy, maintain that using such deep-penetrating far infrared energy to therapeutically induce higher body temperatures helps fight infections and even cancer. Their argument is supported by the human body itself, which radiates infrared energy for warmth and tissue repair. Benefits of Infrared Saunas Among the many benefits available from use of a far infrared sauna are:        reduced stress and fatigue;        increased blood circulation;        strengthened immune system;        revitalized skin cells;        reduced fat and cellulite;        relief of muscle spasms, joint stiffness and pains;        improved muscle tone and strength;        improved cardiovascular function.        respiratory system and sinus decongestion;        improved enzyme activity;        improved nutrition and production of brain chemicals;        improved autonomic functions of the nervous system. Other Applications of Far Infrared Technology Far infrared saunas or heat therapy rooms are just one example of the many possible applications of infrared energy in modern society. Other uses of infrared energy have resulted in infrared hair dryers, infrared foot massagers, infrared underwear, infrared pillows, and even infrared leg wraps for horses. There are far infrared ray-emitting paints and wallpaper that combat mold as well as fast-cooking far infrared ovens that replace microwave ovens and are said to kill E. coli bacteria. Far infrared rays are being used to promote growth in plants, purify polluted air, keep newborn babies warm in hospitals, treat injured athletes, and even encourage new hair growth.

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